“Markus has been a valued member of our basketball family,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said in a statement last month when announcing Kennedy’s intention to transfer. “We wish him the best in his new endeavor.”

He’ll certainly provide size and muscle for Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown’s club at SMU.

Kennedy was a wide-bodied player through much of his high school career but got down to 260 as a Villanova freshman. He had continued to work on his body after the Wildcats finished their season and has lost another 35 pounds.

“Rebounding has always been a strong point for me, but I definitely had to get in better shape,” Kennedy told Philahoops.com. “I’m in much better shape now than I was at the end of last season and my scoring is coming along, so we’ll see.

“I’m working hard every day in the gym and the weight room, just trying to get better.”